diversion

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday September 20, 2024

Link to the animated version.

Trump’s Imaginary Faucet: When Rhetoric Spills Over Into Canadian Politics

In a stump speech in California, Donald Trump recently painted a vivid picture of a “very large faucet” that would redirect Canada’s freshwater into the United States to combat wildfires. It’s a comical notion—both physically and politically impossible—but it hints at a deeper issue that Canadians should take seriously: the blurry line between foreign influence and interference, especially when American rhetoric starts to seep into Canadian political discourse.

News: Why Donald Trump wants to turn a ‘very large faucet’ to get Canadian freshwater

Trump’s “faucet” gaffe might seem like harmless bluster, the latest in a string of bizarre comments from a man known for his unorthodox speeches. But the idea of tapping into Canadian resources, even in jest, taps into real fears Canadians have about being muscled by their southern neighbour. And those fears aren’t unfounded. Although the Columbia River, which Trump likely refers to, could theoretically be diverted in the U.S. portion, Canada’s water has long been coveted. However, thanks to stringent legislation and international agreements, bulk water exports are banned for environmental reasons. So, no, California won’t be siphoning Canada’s water supply any time soon.

But why is this worth more than just a chuckle? Trump’s rhetoric—no matter how absurd—often has a way of trickling down into more serious discussions, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. For instance, it’s not entirely uncommon to see elements of Trumpism echoed in Canadian politics, especially among right-leaning politicians who tap into populist anger. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, doesn’t embrace full Trumpism, but his style has drawn comparisons, even if his policies remain far more moderate.

This brings us to a critical distinction that Canadians need to make between influence and interference. Influence is something Canada has always faced, especially from its southern neighbour.

American pop culture, political movements, and economic trends have influenced Canadians for decades. Interference, on the other hand, refers to direct attempts by foreign actors—be it China, Russia, or even domestic meddling—to shape Canadian political outcomes covertly or illegally. The foreign interference inquiry currently underway in Canada underscores how serious this threat has become.

But as Poilievre navigates the waters of populism, drawing occasionally on American-style rhetoric, he faces a fine line. His attacks on “elites” and his more combative tone against Trudeau hint at a kind of political mimicry that channels the populist playbook of Trump and his ilk. Yet, Poilievre’s populism is much more subdued than Trump’s chaotic firebrand style. Unlike Trump, Poilievre hasn’t called for drastic measures like building walls or slashing immigration; in fact, his policies on housing and inflation remain fairly traditional, even if dressed up in anti-elite rhetoric.

Analysis: Canada’s polite Trumpism

This leads to an uncomfortable question: when does American-style influence in Canadian politics cross into interference? Poilievre’s populism may appeal to some of the same sentiments as Trump’s base, but Canada’s political system has so far proven more resilient to extremist rhetoric. This is largely because Canadian populism has different roots—focused on regionalism, economic frustration, and cost-of-living concerns—rather than the nativism and cultural battles that define Trumpism.

However, by flirting with Trump’s brand of rhetoric, Canadian politicians risk letting influence blur into interference, especially if it starts shaping policy or public perception in unhealthy ways. After all, what begins as echoing talking points can quickly spiral into real political movements, fuelled by misinformation and division.

So, while Trump’s faucet talk may be nothing more than rhetorical fluff, it’s a reminder that Canadians need to stay vigilant. We can afford to laugh at Trump’s bizarre imagery, but we should be wary of the subtle ways his influence is shaping the tone of our politics. Canada has worked hard to maintain its political independence and resist the kind of far-right extremism that’s taken hold in other Western democracies, but that resilience shouldn’t be taken for granted.

At the end of the day, Trump’s imaginary faucet may never be turned on, but the flood of American political rhetoric, seeping across our borders, shows no signs of stopping. Canadians must be careful not to let that faucet drown out their own democratic values. (AI)